Method and apparatus for tracking assets

ABSTRACT

A tracking device is described. The tracking device receives, from a management server, configuration parameters including a first data transmission rate and a second data transmission rate. The tracking device automatically enters into an active mode of the tracking device. When operating in an active mode, the tracking device, is operative to transmit, in response to determining based on first motion sensor measurements that the asset is stationary, first location data at the first data transmission rate. In response to determining, based on second motion sensor measurements and motion definition parameters, that the asset is mobile, the tracking device is operative to transmit, second location data of the asset at the second data transmission rate.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of asset tracking, andmore specifically, to a method and apparatus of tracking assets.

BACKGROUND ART

Asset tracking is a field that relates to tracking the location of anasset. Unpowered assets play an important role in the day-to-dayoperations of a fleet. Trailer dollies, storage containers, dumpsters,heavy machinery equipment, rail cars, generators, and other high-valueassets are examples of unpowered assets that a fleet may need to track.However, tracking these unpowered assets is often overlooked at theexpense of more expensive and more substantial assets such as trucks orpowered equipment. Since lower cost assets aren't typically tracked asclosely as trucks or powered equipment, they can be a big target fortheft. Further, these unpowered assets can be moved and placed inlocations, such as large warehouses or manufacturers, in which it can betime consuming and complex to locate them when needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may best be understood by referring to the followingdescription and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrateembodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of exemplary deployment of atracking device to track the location of an asset, when the trackingdevice can operate in at least one of two modes of operation, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram of exemplary deployment of thetracking device for tracking location of an asset according to a passiveor an active mode of operation, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1C illustrates a block diagram of exemplary deployment of atracking device to track the location of the asset, when the asset movesfrom an outdoor to an indoor location, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 1D illustrates a block diagram of exemplary deployment of atracking device to track the location of the asset, when the asset movesfrom an indoor to an outdoor location, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 1E illustrates a block diagram of exemplary deployment of atracking device to track the location of the asset based on at least twocellular networks, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2A illustrates a flow diagram of operations performed in a trackingdevice, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary operations performed ina tracking device for transmission of data at a second data transmissionrate, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2C illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary operations performed ina tracking device for transmission of data based on an active and apassive mode of operations, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2D illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary operations performed ina tracking device when operating in a passive mode, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 2E illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary operations performed ina tracking device based on multiple positioning technologies, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2F illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary operations performed bya tracking device that is operative to use multiple cellularcommunication networks, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2G illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary operations performed ina tracking device, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3A illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary tracking device thatcan be used in some embodiments.

FIG. 3B illustrates a block diagram for an exemplary server managementthat can be used in some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth.However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knowncircuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail inorder not to obscure the understanding of this description. Those ofordinary skill in the art, with the included descriptions, will be ableto implement appropriate functionality without undue experimentation.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,”“an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment describedmay include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, butevery embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anembodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed.

Bracketed text and blocks with dashed borders (e.g., large dashes, smalldashes, dot-dash, and dots) may be used herein to illustrate optionaloperations that add additional features to embodiments of the invention.However, such notation should not be taken to mean that these are theonly options or optional operations, and/or that blocks with solidborders are not optional in certain embodiments of the invention.

In the following description and claims, the terms “coupled” and“connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should beunderstood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other.“Coupled” is used to indicate that two or more elements, which may ormay not be in direct physical or electrical contact with each other,co-operate or interact with each other. “Connected” is used to indicatethe establishment of communication between two or more elements that arecoupled with each other.

The embodiments presented herein describe an asset tracking device thatis to be mounted on an asset. The asset tracking device is operative totransmit location data and optional sensor measurements to a remotemanagement server to enable reliable tracking of the location and stateof the asset on which it is mounted. The asset tracking device canoperate even if its connection with a management server is unreliable.The asset tracking device operates off a battery, without an externalpower source, for an extended period of time. The asset tracking deviceoperates efficiently allowing to prolong the battery life. The assettracking device is also operative to enable tracking of the asset whenthe asset moves through outdoor or indoor locations. The asset trackingdevice is operative to maintain reliable communication to the managementserver through a plurality of communication interfaces, in particularthrough the use of multiple wireless network communication networks.

A method and a tracking device for tracking an asset are presented. Inone embodiment, the tracking device receives, from a management server,configuration parameters including first configuration parameters andsecond configuration parameters. The first configuration parametersdefine a first mode of operation of the tracking device and the secondconfiguration parameters define a second mode of operation of thetracking device. The tracking device automatically enters into an activemode of the tracking device. When operating in an active mode, thetracking device, in response to determining, based on first motionsensor measurements recorded by an accelerometer, that the asset isstationary, transmits, based on the first configuration parameters,first location data of the asset to the management server at a firstdata transmission rate. In response to determining, based on secondmotion sensor measurements recorded by the accelerometer, that the assetis mobile, the tracking device transmits, based on the secondconfiguration parameters, second location data of the asset to themanagement server at a second data transmission rate.

In one embodiment, the tracking device receives, from a managementserver, configuration parameters including the first configurationparameters and the second configuration parameters. The tracking deviceautomatically enters, based on first pressure measurements, into anactive mode of the tracking device. When operating in the active mode ofoperation, the tracking device is operative to transmit based on thefirst configuration parameters and in response to determining that theasset is stationary, first location data of the asset at a first datatransmission rate. In the active mode, the tracking device is furtheroperative to transmit, based on the second configuration parameters andin response to determining, that the asset is mobile, second locationdata of the asset at a second data transmission rate. In someembodiments, the second data transmission rate is higher than the firstdata transmission rate causing the management server to obtain morefrequent location data when the asset is mobile than when the asset isstationary. The tracking device is operative to automatically enter,based on second pressure measurements recorded by the pressure sensor,into a passive mode in which no data is transmitted.

FIGS. 1A-E illustrate block diagrams of exemplary deployments of anasset tracking system that can be used for tracking the location of anasset, in accordance with some embodiments. The system 100 includes amanagement server 140, a tracking device 120 that is mounted on an asset110, and a wide area network (WAN) 130.

The asset is a physical element of which movement is to be tracked. Theasset is typically moved or can move from one location to otherlocation(s) over time. The asset can be part of a fleet of assetstracked by a fleet management system. The fleet management system mayinclude a set of tracking devices, such as tracking device 120, and themanagement server 140. The asset is located remotely from the managementserver 140 and may change location over a period of time. The asset canbe a trailer to be coupled with a tractor, a semi-trailer, a heavyequipment/machinery, a rail car, a generator, an intermodal container, arental car, a bin, a dumpster, a construction equipment, a portabletoilet, or any other physical component on which the tracking device canbe mounted. The asset tracking system can be used to track the locationof the asset that is expected to travel (move on its own or be moved),may travel indoors and/or outdoors, which may not be able to providepower to the attached tracking device, may not always be in range of areliable connection for communication, and may be deployed for anextended period of time (e.g., from few days to few months, years). Forexample, the asset can be a trailer that is parked in a large warehousefor an extended period of time, such as several months or even years.

The tracking device 120 is an electronic device that is to be mounted onan asset and enables the tracking of the location of the asset. In someembodiments, the tracking device 120 can be securely fastened to theasset with anti-theft screws. In some embodiments, the tracking device120 can be weatherproof and water-resistant. The tracking device 120 isoperative to be coupled with the management server 140 through a WideArea Network (WAN) 130. The connection to the WAN 130 can be through awireless communication network (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular connection, etc.).In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 and the management server140 may be subject to an intermittent connectivity with the WAN. Thetracking device 120 is operative to record or obtain data related to theasset on which it is mounted and transmit the data to the managementserver 140. The tracking device 120 is operative to transmit dataindicative of a state of the vehicle. For example, the tracking device120 may transmit location data indicating the location of the asset onwhich it is mounted. In some embodiments, the data further includesadditional sensor measurements for the asset (such as temperature,humidity, pressure measurements, acceleration measurements, etc.).

In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 is to transmit and receivedata through a connectionless communication protocol. In thisembodiment, one or more messages of serialized structured data aretransmitted from and received by the tracking device 120. The messagesmay include a message with the configuration parameters. In someembodiments, the serialization of the data to be transmitted to and fromthe tracking device is performed based on a language-neutral,platform-neutral, extensible mechanism that minimizes datareporting/transmission overhead. The use of the connectionlesscommunication protocol causes the tracking device 120 to transmit andreceive reduced size data to/from the management server 140 and makingefficient use of the bandwidth between the tracking device and themanagement server 140. These characteristics of the communicationprotocol, including the serialization of the structured data allows tofurther extend the life of the battery of the tracking device 120. In anon-limiting example, the data may be serialized based on Google'sProtocol buffers.

In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 is to transmit locationdata indicating location of the asset 110. The location data may includeone or more location readings and is transmitted to the managementserver 140. The transmission of the location data can be performed basedon one or more embodiments as described herein depending on a mode ofoperation of the tracking device 120. The management server 140receives, from the tracking device 120, the location data including oneor more location readings indicating the location of the tracking deviceat respective times. A location reading is determined through apositioning technology. In one embodiment, the location reading is asensor measurement recorded by a location sensor. For example, thelocation sensor can be a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor and thelocation reading includes GPS coordinates. The location readingindicates a location of the tracking device at a given time. In someembodiments, the location reading is determined through a differentpositioning system such as a local positioning system. The locationreading indicates a location of the asset 110 on which the trackingdevice 120 is mounted. In some embodiments, the tracking device 120transmits several location readings that correspond to the location ofthe mobile asset on which the tracking device 120 is mounted at one ormore times. For example, the tracking device 120 may transmit 10location readings recorded in the last 5 minutes. The location readingsindicate current location of the tracking device 120. In someembodiments, each location reading can include coordinates in acoordinate system (e.g., longitude, latitude, or other) and anassociated time (e.g., a timestamp). The time can indicate the time atwhich the latitude and longitude were recorded by the location sensor;alternatively, the timestamp can indicate the time at which thelatitude, longitude are transmitted from the tracking device 120.

In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 is implemented as describedin further details with reference to FIG. 3A. The tracking device 120includes a battery 321. The tracking device 120 is to operateefficiently off of the battery 321 without an external power source, foran extended period of time (e.g., from few months to few years). As itwill be described in further details below, the tracking device 120operates efficiently, transmitting data as needed, while avoidingunnecessary power expenditures and ensuring prolongation of batterylife.

In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 may be coupled with one ormore wireless sensing devices (not illustrated). The wireless sensingdevices (WSDs) are electronic devices that include one or more sensorsfor detecting physical events (e.g., temperature, humidity, barometricpressure, CO2 concentration, acceleration, pressure, sound, movement,etc.) and recording sensor measurements in response to the detection ofthese physical events. The wireless sensing devices can be smallelectronic devices that are attachable to an object for recording sensorinformation related to physical events related to the object (e.g.,recording changes in temperature, movement of an object (e.g., a doorbeing closed/opened), sudden accelerations of a vehicle, etc.). The WSDscan then store the sensor measurements related to physical eventsdetected over a period of time. The WSDs may record sensor measurementsat regular intervals of time (e.g., the WSDs may detect the temperatureof a room, or an object (e.g., refrigerator, food product), and recordcorresponding temperature measurements every N seconds or minutes). Thesensor measurements are stored in a non-transitory computer readablemedium of the WSDs. Each of the WSDs is operative to be coupled to adevice acting as a gateway system (e.g., tracking device 120) and toestablish a communication channel to transfer the recorded sensormeasurements. In some embodiments, each of the WSDs can connect to thetracking device through a wireless communication interface (e.g.,Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi) or a wired communication interface(e.g., a bus). The WSDs can be internal or external to the trackingdevice. When a WSD is external to the tracking device 120, the WSD isoperative to detect the tracking device and transmit data to thetracking device. In some embodiments, one or more of the WSDs can beincluded in the tracking device 120. In other embodiments, one or moreof the WSDs can be located outside of the tracking device 120. In someembodiments, some WSDs can be included within the tracking device 120and other WSDs can be located outside of the tracking device 120.

The management server 140 is a cloud-based server operative to receivedata from one or more tracking devices (e.g., the tracking device 120)and gateway systems. For example, the management server 140 may receivelocation data from the tracking device 120 indicating the location ofthe asset 110. The data received from the tracking devices can be usedby the management server 140 to determine and display to a user thelocation of the asset in real time. In some embodiments, the managementserver 140 is further operative to receive additional data related tothe state of the asset, such as temperature measurements, pressuremeasurements, and/or other sensor measurements recorded by the trackingdevice or a wireless sensing device that may be coupled with thetracking device. In some embodiments, the management server 140 isimplemented as described in further details with reference to FIG. 3B.

The data received from the tracking device 120 is stored in a sensormeasurement database. The sensor measurements (including the locationdata) may be transmitted to a device of the end user 102 upon receipt ofa request for the measurements. The device of the end user 102 is acomputing device (e.g., laptop, workstation, smartphone, palm top,mobile phone, tablet, etc.) that is capable of accessing networkresources (e.g., it includes software such as web browsers or webapplications that are capable of accessing network resources). The user102 may request access to sensor measurements received from the trackingdevice. The user 102 can be the owner of the tracking device 120 and theasset 110, while in other embodiments, the user is an administrator ofthe device.

Tracking Device Operating Based on Movement of the Tracked Asset:

In one embodiment, the tracking device is operative to transmit locationdata according to a first and a second mode of operation, based onwhether or not the asset is mobile or stationary. In some embodiments,the tracking device is further operative to transmit one or more sensormeasurements in addition to the location data.

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of exemplary deployment of atracking device to track the location of the asset, when the trackingdevice can operate in at least one of two modes of operations, inaccordance with some embodiments.

In one embodiment, the tracking device 120 receives, at operation 1 a,configuration parameters including first configuration parameters andsecond configuration parameters. The configuration parameters arereceived as a result of the user 102 selecting a set of parameters foroperation of the tracking device 120. The selection of the configurationparameters can be performed through a user interface displayed on adevice of the end user 102. The user interface is caused to be displayedby the management server 140 and allows the user 102 to enter theconfiguration parameters for configuring one or more tracking devicessuch as the tracking device 120. The configuration parameters can bereceived during an initialization phase of the tracking device 120 priorto deployment of the tracking device 120 in the field (e.g., when thetracking device 120 is already mounted on the asset 110 or not yet). Inother embodiments, the configuration parameters can be received whilethe tracking device is already deployed and has been used in the fieldfor a period of time. In these embodiments, the tracking device 120 maybe mounted on the asset 110.

The first configuration parameters define a first mode of operation ofthe tracking device 120 and the second configuration parameters define asecond mode of operation of the tracking device 120. The tracking device120 is to use the first mode of operation when it is stationary. Thetracking device 120 is to use the second mode of operation when it ismobile. In some embodiments, the first and the second configurationparameters can be received in a single message from the managementserver 140. In other embodiments, the first and the second configurationparameters can be received in a first and a second message respectively.

In some embodiments, the first configuration parameters include a firstdata transmission rate. In some embodiments, the data transmission ratecan indicate a frequency (e.g., once a day, once a week, etc.) at whichthe location data is to be transmitted from the tracking device. In someembodiments, the data transmission rate can indicate one or more timesof the day (e.g., 8 AM, 12 PM, etc.) at which location data is to betransmitted from the tracking device. In some embodiments, the firstconfiguration parameters further include a first start time at which thetracking device is to start transmission of location data according tothe first data transmission rate. The first configuration parameters areto be used when the asset is stationary and cause the battery life ofthe tracking device to be extended. For example, the first datatransmission rate indicates that location data is to be transmitted fromthe tracking device 120 once per day, once every other day, or at anyother frequency desired by the user 102 for tracking the location of theasset. The first start time may indicate a date and a time of day atwhich the tracking device is to transmit the location data based on thefirst frequency. The first configuration parameters may further includean identification of a set of one or more additional sensor measurementsthat are to be transmitted from the tracking device in addition to thelocation data. For example, the first configuration parameters mayindicate that one of temperature measurements, pressure measures, or anyother types of sensor measurements, or a combination of two or more ofthese measurements are to be transmitted from the tracking device 120 inaddition to the location data. In some embodiments, the firstconfiguration parameter may indicate a different data transmission ratefor transmitting the additional sensor measurements such that the sensormeasurements are transmitted at a data transmission rate that isdifferent from the first data transmission rate. In these embodiments,the first configuration parameters may also indicate a start time fortransmitting the additional sensor measurements that is different fromthe first start time. In other embodiments, the sensor measurements aretransmitted at the same data transmission rate as the location data andat the same first start time.

In some embodiments, the second configuration parameters include asecond data transmission rate. In some embodiments, the datatransmission rate can indicate a frequency at which the location data isto be transmitted from the tracking device. In some embodiments, thedata transmission rate can indicate one or more times of the day (e.g.,8 AM, 12 PM, etc.) at which location data is to be transmitted from thetracking device. In some embodiments, the second configurationparameters may include motion definition parameters that are to be usedfor determining whether the tracking device is mobile or stationary.While the motion definition parameters are described as being receivedas part of the second configuration parameters, in some embodiments, themotion definition parameters can be received as part of the firstconfiguration parameters instead. In another embodiment, the motiondefinition parameters can be pre-configured in the tracking device 120prior to the receipt of the configuration parameters.

In some embodiments, the motion definition parameters define one or morecriteria that need to be satisfied for the asset to be considered asbeing in motion. In some embodiments, the motion definition parameterscan be determined based at least in part on sensor measurements. Themotion definition parameters can be defined based on the application andtype of deployment of the tracking device 120. The motion definitionparameters can further vary depending on the type of asset 110 and thetype of movement the asset 110 may have. The motion definitionparameters can be determined by the user 102 based on observation of atest tracking device. The test tracking device can be the device 120,alternatively, the test tracking device can be another tracking devicesimilar to the tracking device 120. In some embodiments, a userinterface is caused to be displayed on the user device of the user 102by the management server 140, to enable the user 102 to configure anddetermine the motion definition parameters for a given asset on which atracking device is mounted.

In some embodiments, the motion definition parameters may include aminimum amount of time during which the tracking device moves for theasset to be considered as being in motion. For example, the user mayselect that the asset needs to be moving for at least n seconds (e.g.,10 seconds, 30 seconds . . . ), n minutes (e.g., 2 minutes, 5 minutes,etc.), or other, in order for the asset to be considered as being inmotion. In some embodiments, the motion definition parameter may includea minimum distance that needs to be traversed by the asset prior to itbeing considered to be in motion. In other embodiments, the motiondefinition parameter may include a minimum speed and/or acceleration inone or more directions that the speed or acceleration of the asset needto exceed for the asset to be considered as being in motion. In someembodiments, the user 102 may select a motion pattern as a motiondefinition parameter for determining that the asset is in motion. Forexample, the motion definition parameters may include characteristicsthat define the motion pattern (e.g., the asset moving in a givendirection for a first interval of time, the asset moving in anotherdirection for a second interval of time, or any other motion pattern).In some example, while the asset may be located at the same physicallocation, it may be subject to other types of movement (e.g., vibrationof the asset, vertical movement, etc.) that a user may want to detect.In these embodiments, the motion definition parameter may include one ormore parameters for defining these movements and patterns (such asdirection of movement, speed, acceleration, distance, time elapsed,etc.). While some examples of motion definition parameters are provided,other examples can be contemplated without departing from the scope ofthe present embodiments. The motion definition parameter enables a userto better define which types of movement of the asset is to beconsidered as being in motion and can be used to cause the trackingdevice to enter or exit a motion-based mode of operation.

The second configuration parameters are to be used when the asset ismobile. In some embodiments, the second data transmission rate isgreater than the first data transmission rate. For example, the seconddata transmission rate indicates that location data is to be transmittedfrom the tracking device 120 once every five minutes, once every tenminutes, or at any other data transmission rate desired by the user 102for tracking the location of the asset when the asset is moving. Thesecond data transmission rate causes the tracking device 120 to transmitmore frequent location data when the asset is in motion consequentlyenabling a real time tracking of the asset.

In some embodiments, the second configuration parameters can include anoptional second start time. The second start time may indicate a dateand a time of day at which the tracking device is to operate based onthe second configuration parameters if it determines that the trackingdevice is mobile. In other embodiments, the second configurationparameters do not include the second start time. The secondconfiguration parameters may further include an identification of a setof one or more additional sensor measurements that are to be transmittedfrom the tracking device in addition to the location data. For example,the second configuration parameters may indicate that one of temperaturemeasurements, pressure measures, or any other types of sensormeasurements, or a combination of two or more of these measurements areto be transmitted from the tracking device 120 in addition to thelocation data. In some embodiments, the second configuration parametermay indicate one or more additional frequencies for transmitting theadditional sensor measurements such that the sensor measurements of agiven type are transmitted at a data transmission rate that is differentfrom the second data transmission rate. In some embodiments, the secondconfiguration parameters may indicate that no other sensor measurementsother than the location data are to be transmitted by the trackingdevice 120, causing the tracking device 120 to efficiently operate byreducing the amount of data transmitted when the asset is in motion.

Upon receipt of the configuration parameters, the tracking deviceoperates in a first mode based on the first configuration parameterswhen the asset is stationary and operates in a second mode based on thesecond configuration parameters when the asset is mobile. The trackingdevice 120 monitors the motion sensor measurements and determines basedon the motion sensor measurements and the motion definition parameterswhether the asset is moving or not. The sensor measurements can berecorded by a motion sensor located within the tracking device 120. Insome embodiments, the motion sensor measurements can be a combination ofsensor measurements detected with a first motion sensor located withinthe tracking device 120 and another sensor located outside of thetracking device 120. In other embodiments, the motion sensormeasurements are recorded by a sensor that is located outside of thetracking device. Upon determining that the motion sensor measurementssatisfy the criteria defined by the motion definition parameters, thetracking device 120 determines that the asset is in motion.Alternatively, upon determining that the motion sensor measurements donot satisfy the criteria defined in the motion definition parameters,the tracking device 120 determines that the asset is stationary. In someembodiments, the motion sensor can be an accelerometer.

At operation 3, in response to determining, based on first motion sensormeasurements, that the asset is stationary, the tracking device 120transmits, based on the first configuration parameters, first locationdata of the asset at the first data transmission rate. At operation 11,the tracking device 120 determines, based on the motion definitionparameter(s), that the asset 110 has started moving. In someembodiments, determining that the asset 110 has started moving includesdetermining that the motion sensor measurement(s) satisfy the criteriadefined in the motion definition parameter(s). In response todetermining, based on second motion sensor measurements, that the assetis mobile (i.e., has started moving), the tracking device transmits,based on the second data transmission rate, second location data of theasset to the management server.

In some embodiments, transmitting location data based on a second datatransmission rate may include: transmitting, at operation 4, a firstlocation reading upon automatically detecting, based on the motiondefinition parameters, that the tracking device has started moving;transmitting, at operation 5, one or more additional location readingsbased on the second data transmission rate while the tracking device isdetermined to be moving; and transmitting to the management server, atoperation 6, a second location reading upon automatically determining,based on the motion definition parameters, that the tracking device hasstopped moving. The first location reading indicates the location atwhich the asset has started moving. The second location readingindicates the location at which the asset has stopped. The first and thesecond location readings are automatically identified by the trackingdevice 120, based on the first motion definition parameters.

In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 can be configured based onfirst motion definition parameters during a first time interval andbased on a second motion definition parameters during a second timeinterval. In this embodiment, the definition of being in motion for anasset can vary from a first period of time to a second period of time.In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 may be configured todetermine whether the asset is moving or not based on the first motiondefinition parameters and may receive new motion definition parameters,e.g., included in the updated configuration parameters received atoperation 1 b, such that detection of a movement of the asset can beperformed based on the new set of motion definition parameters. This canbe used to detect a type of movement of the asset during a secondinterval of time that is different from the type of movement of theasset detected during the first interval of time. For example, in thefirst interval of time, the asset is expected to remain stationary at alocation, and any movement of the asset can be determined to befraudulent and may need to be detected. During this first interval oftime, the tracking device 120 is configured based on the first motiondefinition parameter that enable the detection of any movement of theasset 110. In a second period of time, the asset is expected to be movedwithin a given set of parameters but not according to another set ofparameters (e.g., the asset can be moved inside a warehouse with atrolley but not outside in a vehicle). These different types ofmovements (e.g., inside warehouse vs. being transported in a vehicle)can be defined based on different motion definition parameters. Inparticular, the second motion definition parameter can be used to definea second type of movement of the asset (e.g., the asset is beingtransported on a vehicle). The tracking device 120 is configured tooperate in the second mode of operation (i.e., to transmit dataaccording to the second data transmission rate) only when the secondmotion definition parameters are detected (i.e., when the sensormeasurements are determined to satisfy the criteria defined in thesecond motion definition parameters (e.g., where these parameters definethat the asset is being transported on a vehicle outside a warehouse)).In this exemplary embodiment, when the asset moves but the trackingdevice 120 determines that the motion sensor measurements do not satisfythe criteria of the second motion definition parameters (e.g., themotion sensor measurements do not satisfy the criteria defined in thesecond motion definition parameters), the tracking device 120 continuesto operate in the first mode of operation (stationary mode ofoperation), by transmitting data according to the first datatransmission rate. The tracking device 120 operates in the second modeof operation (motion-based mode of operation), by transmitting data atthe second data transmission rate, only upon determination that thecriteria of the second motion definition parameters are satisfied (i.e.,the motion sensor measurements satisfy the criteria defined in themotion definition parameters).

The embodiments discussed above present a mechanism for operation of atracking device that is based on whether or not the asset on which thetracking device is mounted is moving. Further, the mode of operationspresented herein depend on the type of asset and the type of movementthat the asset can have as the determination of whether an asset ismoving is performed based on motion definition parameters that areconfigurable. In the described embodiments, when an asset is not moving,the tracking device transmits less frequent data to the managementserver, for example, once a day. In contrast, when the asset moves, evenunexpectedly, the tracking device is configured to automatically switchfrom the stationary mode of operation to the mobile mode of operation,such that the data is transmitted more frequently (e.g., every 5minutes). Using this mechanism, the potential recovery time of a stolenasset is enabled in real-time, while still allowing for the life of thebattery of the tracking device to be extended by an efficient use of thetransmission link of the tracking device when the tracking device isstationary.

Tracking Device Operating Based on Pressure Measurements of the TrackedAsset

In one embodiment, the tracking device is operative to transmit locationdata according to a passive and an active mode of operation. In someembodiments, tracking device 120 and the management server 140 areoperative to perform operations similar to the operations described withreference to FIG. 1A (operations 1 a, 1 b, 11, 23, and 3 to 6). In otherembodiments, tracking device 120 and the management server 140 areoperative to perform only some of the operations described withreference to FIG. 1A (e.g., operations 1 a and 3) and perform additionaloperations which may or may not be performed in the system of FIG. 1A.As will be described in further detail below, in some embodiments, theoperations performed to track the location of the asset 110, based onwhether the asset is in motion or not, can be performed independently ofthe operations performed to track the asset 110, based on the passive oractive mode that will be described below. In other embodiments, theoperations performed to track the asset based on the active or passivemode can be performed along with the operations performed for trackingthe asset based on whether the asset is in motion or not.

FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram of exemplary deployment of thetracking device for tracking location of an asset according to a passiveor an active mode of operation, in accordance with some embodiments.

At operation 1 c, the tracking device receives configuration parameters.The configuration parameters are received from the management server140. The configuration parameters are received as a result of the user102 selecting a set of parameters for operation of the tracking device120. The selection of the configuration parameters can be performedthrough a user interface displayed on a device of the end user 102. Theuser interface is caused to be displayed by the management server 140and allows the user 102 to enter the configuration parameters forconfiguring one or more tracking devices such as the tracking device120. The configuration parameters can be received during aninitialization phase of the tracking device 120 prior to deployment ofthe tracking device 120 in the field (e.g., when the tracking device 120is already mounted on the asset 110 or not yet). In other embodiments,the configuration parameters can be received while the tracking deviceis already deployed and has been used in the field for a period of time.In these embodiments, the asset may be mounted on the asset 110.

In some embodiments, the configuration parameters may include pressuremeasurement thresholds. In some embodiments, the pressure measurementthresholds can be input by the user 102. In other embodiments, thesensor measurement thresholds can be automatically determined by themanagement server 140. The management server 140 may receive anindication from the user that the tracking device is to be configuredfor operation based on passive/active modes and in response to receivingthis indication, the management server 140 determines a set of one ormore pressure measurement thresholds.

In some embodiments, the configuration parameters may further includefirst and second configuration parameters. As described with referenceto FIG. 1A, the first configuration parameters define a first mode ofoperation of the tracking device 120 and the second configurationparameters define a second mode of operation of the tracking device 120.The tracking device 120 is to use the first mode of operation when theasset is determined to be stationary. The tracking device 120 is to usethe second mode of operation when the asset is determined to be mobile.In some embodiments, the first and the second configuration parameterscan be received in a single message from the management server 140. Inother embodiments, the first and the second configuration parameters canbe received in a first and a second message respectively. In someembodiments, the first and second configuration parameters are to beused for transmission of data from the tracking device 120 when thetracking device is operating in the active mode. In other embodiments,the configuration parameters include a single set of configurationparameters that define a single data transmission rate that the trackingdevice is to use when operating in the active mode.

The tracking device automatically monitors the pressure measurementsrecorded by a pressure sensor to determine the pressure of the asset.For example, a pressure sensor may repeatedly record pressuremeasurements at a given interval of time (e.g., every n ms, n seconds,or n minutes, etc.). In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may belocated within the tracking device 120, while in other embodiments, thepressure sensor may be located outside the tracking device 120 andcoupled with the tracking device 120 through a short-range communicationlink. The pressure sensor is to record pressure measurements indicatingthe pressure to which the asset is submitted (e.g., air pressure).

The tracking device 120 automatically enters, based on pressuremeasurements, into an active mode of operation. In some embodiments, thetracking device 120 may determine to enter the active mode upondetermination that no change in the pressure measurements is detectedwhen compared with previously recorded pressure measurements.Additionally or alternatively, the tracking device 120 may determine toenter the active mode upon determination that the measured pressuremeasurements are lower than the pressure measurement thresholds receivedin the configuration parameters. When operating in the active mode ofoperation, the tracking device 120 is operative to transmit, atoperation 2, location data of the asset. The tracking device 120 canfurther transmit additional sensor measurements. In some embodiments,the transmission of the data (location and/or other data) from thetracking device 120 can be performed according to the firstconfiguration parameters including the first data transmission rate.

The tracking device 120 continues to monitor the pressure measurementsand determines based on new pressure measurements that a change occurredin the pressure to which the asset 110 is subjected to. For example, theasset 110 may be placed on an airplane or another type of vehicle thatcauses the new environment in which the asset 110 is placed to subjectthe asset and the pressure sensor of the asset to record new sensormeasurements, such as 152B, that differ from previously recordedpressure measurements, such as 152A. As a result, the tracking device120 automatically detects the change in the pressure measurements andautomatically enters the passive mode based on this change.Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the tracking device120 may automatically enter the passive mode of operation upondetermining that the newly recorded pressure measurements are greaterthan the pressure measurements thresholds.

When operating in a passive mode of operation no data is transmittedfrom or received by the tracking device 120. For example, the trackingdevice 120 may disable any interfaces used for communication with themanagement server (e.g., cellular communication interfaces) causing thetracking device to no longer transmit or receive data to/from themanagement server 140. In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 maycontinue to transmit/receive data through short range communicationinterfaces (such as Wi-Fi, or Blue Tooth Low Energy (BLE)). In otherembodiments, all communication is disabled, and no data is transmittedto/from the tracking device 120. In some embodiments, when operating inthe passive mode, the tracking device 120 may continue to monitor thepressure measurements. The tracking device 120 may further record zeroor more other sensor measurements (e.g., temperature measurement, etc.).In some embodiments, when operating in the passive mode, the trackingdevice 120 may no longer determine the location of the asset. Forexample, when the location of the asset is determined based on a firstpositioning technology, such as Global Positioning Technology (GPS), thetracking device 120 pauses the acquisition of GPS coordinates when itenters the passive mode of operation.

The tracking device 120 remains in the passive mode of operation until achange in the pressure measurements occurs. For example, when the asset110 is moved from the airplane to a warehouse, the tracking device 120automatically determines that the pressure measurements 152C havechanged when compared with the pressure measurements 152B andautomatically re-enters the active mode. When operating in the activemode, transmission of data to/from the tracking device 120 is resumed.In some embodiments, the transmission of data can be performed based ona first data transmission rate. In other embodiments, when operating inthe active mode, the transmission of data can be performed based on afirst or a second data transmission rate (i.e., based on a first orsecond mode of operation) depending on whether the asset is mobile ornot as described with reference to FIG. 1A (operations 3 to 6). In someembodiments, the tracking device 120 may initiate operation in a firstmode of operation and may receive configuration parameters (e.g.,operation 1 a) that define a first and a second mode of operation.Following the receipt of the configuration parameters, the trackingdevice 120 operates based on the first or the second mode of operationdepending on whether or not the asset is moving. In some embodiments,the second data transmission rate is greater than the first datatransmission rate causing the management server 140 to obtain morefrequent location data when the asset is mobile than when the asset isstationary.

The embodiments described herein allow the tracking device to track thelocation of the asset on which it is mounted based on pressuremeasurements to which the asset is subjected to. These mechanisms allowthe tracking device to comply with rules and regulations that may be setfor transportation of the asset. For example, when the asset istransported on an airplane, the tracking device automatically stopstransmission and receipt of data to comply with aviation and safetyregulations without requiring a manual intervention of a user forshutting down or turning the tracking device. Further the trackingdevice automatically turns transmission of data back on upondetermination that a change in the pressure measurements has occurredand that the asset is no longer on an airplane. While the embodimentsherein are described with reference to an asset being placed on anairplane, this is intended to be illustrative only to present changesthat may occur in the pressure measurements of an asset. This exampleshould not be regarded as limiting and other examples can becontemplated without departing from the scope of the inventive conceptpresented herein. Other location and/or environment can cause the sensormeasurements to change and the tracking device to automatically enterthe passive or the active mode of operations based on the pressuremeasurements.

While the embodiments discussed herein are discussed with respect topressure measurements that are monitored in order to enable the trackingdevice to enter an active mode or a passive mode, a similar mechanismcan be performed based on temperature measurements.

In these embodiments, the tracking device 120 automatically enters,based on temperature measurements, into an active mode of operation. Insome embodiments, the tracking device 120 may determine to enter theactive mode upon determination that no change in the temperaturemeasurements is detected when compared with previously recordedtemperature measurements. Additionally or alternatively, the trackingdevice 120 may determine to enter the active mode upon determinationthat the measured temperature measurements are lower (or higher) thantemperature measurement thresholds received in configuration parameters.When operating in the active mode of operation, the tracking device 120is operative to transmit location data of the asset. The tracking device120 can further transmit additional sensor measurements. In someembodiments, the transmission of the data (location and/or other data)from the tracking device 120 can be performed according to the firstconfiguration parameters including the first data transmission rate.Alternatively, the transmission of the data from the tracking device 120can be performed according to the second configuration parametersincluding the second data transmission rate.

The tracking device 120 continues to monitor the temperaturemeasurements and determines based on new temperature measurements that achange occurred in the temperature to which the asset 110 is subjectedto. As a result, the tracking device 120 automatically detects thechange in the temperature measurements and automatically enters thepassive mode based on this change. Alternatively, or additionally, insome embodiments, the tracking device 120 may automatically enter thepassive mode of operation upon determining that the newly recordedtemperature measurements are greater than (or lower than) temperaturemeasurements thresholds.

As discussed above, the embodiments of FIG. 1B can be performed incombination with or independently of the embodiments described withreference to FIG. 1A. For example, when operating in an active mode, thetracking device can transmit data according to a single datatransmission rate and configuration parameters, alternatively, thetracking device can transmit data according to at least two differentfrequencies depending on whether or not the asset is moving.

Asset Location Determination Based on First and Second PositioningTechnology:

In one embodiment, the tracking device is operative to transmit locationdata according to a passive and an active mode of operation. In someembodiments, tracking device 120 and the management server 140 areoperative to perform operations similar to the operations described withreference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. In other embodiments, tracking device120 and the management server 140 are operative to perform only some ofthe operations described with reference to FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B andperform additional operations which may or may not be performed in thesystem of FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B. As will be described in further detailbelow, in some embodiments, the operations performed to track thelocation of the asset 110, described with reference to FIG. 1A or 1B canbe performed independently or in combination with the operationsdescribed with reference to FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D.

As an asset moves from an outdoor location to an indoor location oralternatively from an indoor location to an outdoor location, thetracking device is operative to transmit location data determined basedon a first positioning technology during a first period of time and totransmit location data determined based on a second positioningtechnology during a second period of time, where the first positioningtechnology and the second positioning technology are different. FIG. 1Cillustrates a block diagram of exemplary deployment of a tracking deviceto track the location of the asset, when the asset moves from an outdoorto an indoor location, in accordance with some embodiments. The trackingdevice 120 transmits, at operation 21, first location data determinedbased on a first positioning technology. For example, the trackingdevice 120 may be configured at initialization to determine locationdata based on a global positioning technology. In this first time, theasset 110 is located outdoors and the use of the first positioningtechnology, by the tracking device 120, allows an accurate determinationof the location of the asset 110. Following the movement of the asset110 to an indoor location, the tracking device 120 automaticallydetermines, at operation 22, that a second positioning technology is tobe used instead of the first positioning technology to determine thelocation of the asset 110, where the second positioning technology isdifferent from the first positioning technology.

In some embodiments, determining that the second positioning technologyis to be used instead of the first positioning technology can beperformed by determining whether the first positioning technology isavailable to determine the location data of the asset 110. In theseembodiments, upon determining that the first positioning technology isavailable, the tracking device 120 may continue to use the firstpositioning technology for determination of the location of the asset110. Alternatively, upon determining that the first positioningtechnology is not available (e.g., no signal is received by the trackingdevice 120 based on the first positioning technology for a given periodof time) the tracking device 120 automatically uses a second positioningtechnology for determination of the location of the asset 110. Thesecond positioning technology can be a local positioning technology thatprovides more accurate and more precise location of the asset 110 in anindoor location when compared with the location of the asset 110provided with the first positioning technology. The indoor location canbe a warehouse, a manufacture, or any other location. For example, thelocal positioning technology may be performed by using one or more localaccess points of a local area network (e.g., LAN 161) and determiningthe location of the asset 110 based on the local access points. Thetracking device 120 may use the second positioning location to determineat operation 23, operation 24, and operation 25 different location dataof the asset 110 within the indoor location. In some non-limitingexample, the second positioning technology can be based on Wi-Fi, e.g.,using Wi-Fi triangulation techniques.

In some embodiments, determining that the second positioning technologyis to be used instead of the first positioning technology can beperformed by determining whether the asset has moved from an outdoorlocation to an indoor location. Upon determining that the asset is notin an indoor location, the tracking device 120 continues to use thefirst positioning technology to determine the location of the asset 110.Upon determining that the asset is in an indoor location, the trackingdevice 120 may automatically use the second positioning technology fordetermination of the location of the asset 110.

In some embodiments, determining that the second positioning technologyis to be used instead of the first positioning technology can beperformed by determining that the first positioning technology is notavailable and that the asset has moved to an indoor location.Alternatively, determining that the second positioning technology is tobe used can be performed by determining that the first positioningtechnology is available and determining that the asset has moved to anindoor location.

Upon determining that the second positioning technology is to be usedinstead of the first positioning technology, the tracking device 120transmits, at a second time that is later than the first time, secondlocation data determined based on the second positioning technology. Forexample, the tracking device transmits at operation 23, location dataindicating the location of the asset, where the location data isdetermined based on the second positioning technology. The trackingdevice 120 continues to determine the location of the asset 110 based onthe second positioning technology, until the second positioningtechnology is no longer available and/or the asset moves from an indoorlocation to an outdoor location.

FIG. 1D illustrates a block diagram of exemplary deployment of atracking device to track the location of the asset, when the asset movesfrom an indoor to an outdoor location, in accordance with someembodiments. The tracking device 120 transmits, at operation 31, firstlocation data determined based on a first positioning technology. Forexample, the tracking device 120 may be configured at initialization todetermine location data based on a local positioning technology (e.g.,Wi-Fi triangulation). In this first time, the asset 110 is locatedindoors and the use of the first positioning technology, by the trackingdevice 120, allows an accurate and precise determination of the locationof the asset 110. Following the movement of the asset 110 to anotherindoor location, the tracking device 120 continues to transmit, atoperation 32 and operation 33, location data based on the firstpositioning technology. The local positioning technology allows thetracking device 120 to determine different locations of the asset 110within an indoor location with greater precision than with the use of aglobal positioning technology. For example, the tracking device 120 maydetermine the location data based on access points of the LAN 161 and alocation triangulation technique (e.g., Wi-Fi triangulation techniques).

In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 determines whether to use asecond positioning technology that is different from the firstpositioning technology. In some embodiments, determining that the secondpositioning technology is to be used instead of the first positioningtechnology can be performed by determining whether the first positioningtechnology is available to determine the location data of the asset 110.In these embodiments, upon determining that the first positioningtechnology is available, the tracking device 120 may continue to use thefirst positioning technology for determination of the location of theasset 110. Alternatively, upon determining that the first positioningtechnology is not available (e.g., no signal is received by the trackingdevice 120 based on the first positioning technology for a given periodof time) the tracking device 120 automatically uses a second positioningtechnology for determination of the location of the asset 110. Thesecond positioning technology can be a global positioning technologythat enables determination of the location of the asset 110. Thetracking device 120 may use the second positioning location to determineat operation 35, location data of the asset 110 in an outdoor location.In some non-limiting example, the second positioning technology can beGlobal Positioning Technology (GPS).

In some embodiments, determining that the second positioning technologyis to be used instead of the first positioning technology can beperformed by determining whether the asset has moved from an indoorlocation to an outdoor location. Upon determining that the asset is nolonger in an indoor location, the tracking device 120 starts using thesecond positioning technology to determine the location of the asset 110instead of the first positioning technology. Upon determining that theasset is still in an indoor location, the tracking device 120 maycontinue to use the first positioning technology for determination ofthe location of the asset 110.

In some embodiments, determining that the second positioning technologyis to be used instead of the first positioning technology can beperformed by determining that the first positioning technology is notavailable, and that the asset has moved to an outdoor location.Alternatively, determining that the second positioning technology is tobe used can be performed by determining that the first positioningtechnology is available and determining that the asset has moved to anoutdoor location.

Upon determining that the second positioning technology is to be usedinstead of the first positioning technology, the tracking device 120transmits, at a second time that is later than the first time, secondlocation data determined based on the second positioning technology. Forexample, the tracking device 120 transmits at operation 35 and/or 36,location data indicating the location of the asset, where the locationdata is determined based on the second positioning technology. Thetracking device 120 continues to determine the location of the asset 110based on the second positioning technology, until the second positioningtechnology is no longer available and/or the asset moves from an outdoorlocation to an indoor location.

In some embodiments, the LAN 161 can be used to determine the locationof the asset based on a local positioning technology and can further beused to transmit the data to/from the tracking device 120 and themanagement server 140. While the management server 140 is not typicallylocated in the LAN 161, the LAN 161 enables transmission of the datathrough a wide area network (e.g., WAN 130 such as the Internet) betweenthe tracking device 120 and the management server 140. In otherembodiments, the LAN 161 can be used for the determination of thelocation of the asset while the transmission of the data to/from thetracking device is performed through another communication network suchas a cellular network.

In some embodiments, the determination of the location of the asset canbe performed based on a first positioning technology and based on asecond positioning technology at different moments, while operatingaccording to an active mode of operation as described with reference toFIG. 1B. Alternatively or additionally, the determination of the asset'slocation can be performed based on the first and/or second positioningtechnology while the asset operates in a first or second mode ofoperations depending on whether or not the asset 110 is in motion.

Tracking Device Operating Based Multiple Cellular Networks:

FIG. 1E illustrates a block diagram of exemplary deployment of atracking device to track the location of the asset based on at least twocellular networks, in accordance with some embodiments. To increasereliability of the data collected from the tracking device 120, thetracking device 120 is operative to transmit the data through a firstcommunication network and a second communication network depending onavailability of the networks.

At operation 41, the tracking device transmits the location data througha first cellular communication network, e.g., first cellular network162. At a second time, the tracking device 120 automatically determines,at operation 42, that the first cellular network is not available.Responsive to determining that the first cellular network 162 is nolonger available, the tracking device 120 transmits at operation 43, thedata (e.g., location data and/or additional sensor measurements) throughthe second cellular network 163. The tracking device may include atleast two subscriber identifiers (e.g., Subscriber IdentificationModules (SIMs)) that allow the tracking device to communicate via afirst cellular network 162 and a second cellular network 163. In someembodiments, the tracking device 120 is configured (e.g., through thereceipt of the configuration parameters) to use the first cellularnetwork associated with a first subscriber identifier as a defaultcellular network for transmission of data to/from the management server140. The tracking device 120 may further be configured to use the secondcellular network associated with the second subscriber identifier as asecondary cellular network. The tracking device 120 attempts to transmitdata through the first cellular network and upon determining that thetransmission of the data fails, automatically attempts to transmit thedata through the second cellular network 163. In some embodiments, thefailure of the data transmission through the first cellular network canbe caused by the asset 110 moving from a first location, at which thefirst cellular network was available, to a second location, at which thesecond cellular network is available, and the first cellular network isno longer available. In other embodiments, the failure of the datatransmission can be due to a temporary service interruption of the firstcellular network causing the first cellular network to not be available.

While the embodiments described above show a first and a second cellularnetwork that can be used for transmission of data to/from the trackingdevice 120, in other embodiments, the tracking device 120 can beoperative to transmit the data through three or more cellular networkswithout departing from the scope of the inventive concept presentedherein. The use of multiple cellular networks enables the trackingdevice 120 to continuously and reliably transmit data related to thestate of the asset 110 to the management server 140.

In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 may further operate basedon a smart mode of operation. The smart mode of operation may overrideall other modes of operation of the tracking device enabling for afurther efficient use of the battery resource by allowing transmissionof data only when the data is different from previously transmitteddata. The tracking device 120 may receive updated configurationparameters, where the updated configuration parameters include anindication identifying a smart mode of operation that is to be used bythe tracking device 120.

When operating in the smart mode of operation, the tracking devicetransmits new data location of the asset when the new data location isdifferent from a previously transmitted data location. Prior totransmitting location data, the location data is compared withpreviously transmitted data and upon determining that the new locationdata is substantially identical to the latest data sent, the trackingdevice 120 does not transmit the new location data. Alternatively, upondetermining that the new location data is different from the previouslyor latest location data transmitted, the tracking device transmits thenew location data. The tracking device 120 further stores the newlocation data as the latest location data transmitted to the managementserver 140. This newly stored location data is used by the trackingdevice upon determination of whether future location data is to betransmitted or not.

The operations in the flow diagrams of FIGS. 2A-G will be described withreference to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1A-E. However, it shouldbe understood that the operations of the flow diagrams can be performedby embodiments of the invention other than those discussed withreference to FIGS. 1A-E, and the embodiments of the invention discussedwith reference to FIGS. 1A-E can perform operations different than thosediscussed with reference to the flow diagrams.

FIG. 2A illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary operations performed ina tracking device for tracking the location of an asset, in accordancewith some embodiments. At operation 202, the tracking device 120receives configuration parameters. The configuration parameters arereceived from the management server 140. In some embodiments, theconfiguration parameters are received as a result of the user 102selecting a set of parameters for operation of the tracking device 120.The selection of the configuration parameters can be performed through auser interface displayed on a device of the end user 102. The userinterface is caused to be displayed by the management server 140 andallows the user 102 to enter the configuration parameters forconfiguring one or more tracking devices such as the tracking device120. The configuration parameters can be received during aninitialization phase of the tracking device 120 prior to deployment ofthe tracking device 120 in the field (e.g., when the tracking device 120is already mounted on the asset 110 or not yet). In other embodiments,the configuration parameters can be received while the tracking deviceis already deployed and has been used in the field for a period of time.In these embodiments, the tracking device 120 may be mounted on theasset 110.

The configuration parameters may include the first configurationparameters and the second configuration parameters. In some embodiments,the configuration parameters may further include the pressuremeasurement thresholds, a mode of operations such as the smart modeand/or one or more additional parameters that determine the operationsof the tracking device 120 when mounted on the asset 110. In someembodiments, the configuration parameters (including the first and thesecond configuration parameters) can be received in a single messagefrom the management server 140. In other embodiments, the configurationparameters can be received in a first and a second message respectively.

In some embodiments, the configuration parameters are received through aconnectionless communication protocol. In this embodiment, one or moremessages of serialized structured data are received by the trackingdevice 120. The messages may include a message with the configurationparameters. In some embodiments, the serialization of the data to bereceived by the tracking device is performed based on alanguage-neutral, platform-neutral, extensible mechanism that minimizesdata reporting/transmission overhead. The use of the connectionlesscommunication protocol causes the tracking device 120 to receive reducedsize data from the management server 140, making efficient use of thebandwidth between the tracking device 120 and the management server 140.These characteristics of the communication protocol, including theserialization of the structured data allows to further extend the lifeof the battery of the tracking device 120.

The first configuration parameters include a first data transmissionrate and define a first mode of operation of the tracking device 120.The tracking device 120 is to use the first mode of operation when theasset 110 is stationary. The second configuration parameters include asecond data transmission rate and define a second mode of operation ofthe tracking device 120. The tracking device 120 is to use the secondmode of operation when the asset is mobile.

In some embodiments, the first configuration parameters include thefirst data transmission rate. In some embodiments, the data transmissionrate can indicate a frequency (e.g., once a day, once a week, etc.) atwhich the location data is to be transmitted from the tracking device.In some embodiments, the data transmission rate can indicate one or moretimes of the day (e.g., 8 AM, 12 PM, etc.) at which location data is tobe transmitted from the tracking device. In some embodiments, the firstconfiguration parameters further include a first start time at which thetracking device is to start transmission of location data according tothe first data transmission rate. The first configuration parameters areto be used when the asset is stationary and cause the battery life ofthe tracking device to be extended. For example, the first datatransmission rate indicates that location data is to be transmitted fromthe tracking device 120 once per day, once every other day, or at anyother data transmission rate desired by the user 102 for tracking thelocation of the asset, where the data transmission rate causes extensionof the battery life in the tracking device 120. The first start time mayindicate a date and a time of day at which the tracking device is totransmit the location data based on the first data transmission rate.For example, the tracking device 120 may be operating according to amode of operation prior to the receipt of the configuration parameters,and the first start time indicates the date and time at which thetracking device is to transition from that mode of operation to thefirst mode of operation defined based on the first configurationparameters. The first configuration parameters may further include anidentification of a set of one or more additional sensor measurementsthat are to be transmitted from the tracking device in addition to thelocation data. For example, the first configuration parameters mayindicate that one of temperature measurements, pressure measures, or anyother types of sensor measurements, or a combination of two or more ofthese measurements are to be transmitted from the tracking device 120 inaddition to the location data. In some embodiments, the firstconfiguration parameter may indicate a different data transmission ratefor transmitting the additional sensor measurements such that the sensormeasurements are transmitted at a data transmission rate that isdifferent from the first data transmission rate. In these embodiments,the first configuration parameters may also indicate a start time fortransmitting the additional sensor measurements that is different fromthe first start time. In other embodiments, the sensor measurements aretransmitted at the same data transmission rate as the location data andat the same first start time.

In some embodiments, the second configuration parameters include asecond data transmission rate. In some embodiments, the datatransmission rate can indicate a frequency (e.g., once a day, once aweek, etc.) at which the location data is to be transmitted from thetracking device. In some embodiments, the data transmission rate canindicate one or more times of the day (e.g., 8 AM, 12 PM, etc.) at whichlocation data is to be transmitted from the tracking device. In someembodiments, the second configuration parameters may include motiondefinition parameters that are to be used for determining whether thetracking device is mobile or stationary. While the motion definitionparameters are described as being received as part of the secondconfiguration parameters, in some embodiments, the motion definitionparameters can be received as part of the first configuration parametersinstead. In another embodiment, the motion definition parameters can bepre-configured in the tracking device 120 prior to the receipt of theconfiguration parameters.

In some embodiments, the motion definition parameters define one or morecriteria that need to be satisfied for the asset to be considered asbeing in motion. In some embodiments, the motion definition parameterscan be determined based at least in part on sensor measurements. Themotion definition parameters can be defined based on the application andtype of deployment of the tracking device 120. The motion definitionparameters can further vary depending on the type of asset 110 and thetype of movement of the asset 110 may have. The motion definitionparameter(s) can be determined by the user 102 based on observation of atest tracking device. The test tracking device can be the trackingdevice 120, alternatively, the test tracking device can be anothertracking device similar to the tracking device 120. In some embodiments,a user interface is caused to be displayed on the user device of theuser 102 by the management server 140, to enable a user 102 to configureand determine the motion definition parameter(s) for a given device onwhich a tracking device is mounted.

In some embodiments, the motion definition parameters may include aminimum amount of time during which the tracking device moves for theasset to be considered as being in motion. For example, the user mayselect that the asset needs to be moving for at least n seconds (e.g.,10 seconds, 30 seconds . . . ), n minutes (e.g., 2 minutes, 5 minutes,etc.), or other, in order for the asset to be considered as being inmotion. In some embodiments, the motion definition parameter may includea minimum distance that needs to be traversed by the asset prior to itbeing considered to be in motion. In other embodiments, the motiondefinition parameter may include a minimum speed and/or acceleration inone or more directions that the speed or acceleration of the asset needsto exceed for the asset to be considered as being in motion. In someembodiments, the user 102 may select a motion pattern as a motiondefinition parameter for determining that the asset is in motion. Forexample, the motion definition parameters may include characteristicsthat define the motion pattern (e.g., the asset moving in a givendirection for a first interval of time, the asset moving in anotherdirection for a second interval of time, or any other motion pattern).In some example, while the asset may be located at the same physicallocation, it may be subject to other types of movement (e.g., vibrationof the asset, vertical movement, etc.) that a user may want to detect.In these embodiments, the motion definition parameter may include one ormore parameters for defining these movements and patterns (such asdirection of movement, speed, acceleration, distance, time elapsed,etc.). While some examples of motion definition parameters are provided,other examples can be contemplated without departing from the scope ofthe present embodiments. The motion definition parameter enables a userto better define, which types of movement of the asset is to beconsidered as being in motion and can be used to cause the trackingdevice to enter or exit a motion-based mode of operation.

The second configuration parameters are to be used when the asset ismobile. In some embodiments, the second data transmission rate isgreater than the first data transmission rate. For example, the seconddata transmission rate indicates that location data is to be transmittedfrom the tracking device 120 once every minute, every five minutes, onceevery ten minutes, or at any other data transmission rate desired by theuser 102 for tracking the location of the asset when the asset ismoving. The second data transmission rate causes the tracking device 120to transmit more frequent location data when the asset is in motionconsequently enabling a real time tracking of the asset.

In some embodiments, the second configuration parameters can include anoptional second start time. The second start time may indicate a dateand a time of day at which the tracking device is to operate based onthe second configuration parameters if it determines that the trackingdevice is mobile. In other embodiments, the second configurationparameters do not include the second start time. The secondconfiguration parameters may further include an identification of a setof one or more additional sensor measurements that are to be transmittedfrom the tracking device in addition to the location data. For example,the first configuration parameters may indicate that one of temperaturemeasurements, pressure measures, or any other types of sensormeasurements, or a combination of two or more of these measurements areto be transmitted from the tracking device 120 in addition to thelocation data. In some embodiments, the second configuration parametersmay indicate a different data transmission rate for transmitting theadditional sensor measurements such that the sensor measurements aretransmitted at a data transmission rate that is different from thesecond data transmission rate. In some embodiments, the secondconfiguration parameters may indicate that no other sensor measurementsother than the location data are to be transmitted by the trackingdevice 120, causing the tracking device 120 to efficiently operate byreducing the amount of data transmitted when the asset is in motion.

The flow of operations moves from operation 202 to operation 204, atwhich the tracking device 120 automatically enters into an active modeof operation. In some embodiments, entering the active mode of operationcan be performed as described with reference to FIG. 2B. In otherembodiments, the tracking device can enter the active mode of operationupon initialization of the tracking device 120. In the active mode ofoperation, the tracking device operates in a first mode based on thefirst configuration parameters when the asset is stationary and operatesin a second mode based on the second configuration parameters, when theasset is mobile according to operations 205-210. At operation 205, thetracking device 120 monitors the motion sensor measurements. Atoperation 206, the tracking device 120 determines based on the motionsensor measurements and the motion definition parameters whether theasset is moving or not. The sensor measurements can be recorded by amotion sensor located within the tracking device 120. In someembodiments, the motion sensor measurements can be a combination ofsensor measurements detected with a first motion sensor located withinthe tracking device 120 and another sensor located outside of thetracking device 120. In other embodiments, the motion sensormeasurements are recorded by a sensor that is located outside of thetracking device 120. Upon determining that the motion sensormeasurements satisfy the criteria defined by the motion definitionparameters, the tracking device 120 determines that the asset is inmotion. Alternatively, upon determining that the motion sensormeasurements do not satisfy the criteria defined by the motiondefinition parameter(s), the tracking device 120 determines that theasset is stationary. In some embodiments, the motion sensor can be anaccelerometer.

At operation 208, in response to determining, based on first motionsensor measurements, that the asset is stationary, the tracking device120 transmits, at the first data transmission rate, first location dataof the asset. In response to determining, based on the motion sensormeasurements, that the asset is mobile (i.e., has started moving), thetracking device 120 transmits, at operation 210, based on the seconddata transmission rate, second location data of the asset to themanagement server.

In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 can be configured based onfirst motion definition parameters during a first time interval andbased on a second motion definition parameters during a second timeinterval. In this embodiment, the definition of being in motion for anasset can vary from a first period of time to a second period of time.In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 may be configured todetermine whether the asset is moving or not based on the first motiondefinition parameters and may receive new motion definition parameters,e.g., included in updated configuration parameters received at a latertime, such that detection of a movement of the asset can be performedbased on the new set of motion definition parameters. This can be usedto detect a type of movement of the asset during a second interval oftime that is different from the type of movement of the asset detectedduring the first interval of time. For example, in the first interval oftime, the asset is expected to remain stationary at a location, and anymovement of the asset can be determined to be fraudulent and may need tobe detected. During this first interval of time, the tracking device 120is configured based on the first motion definition parameter that enablethe detection of any movement of the asset 110. In a second interval oftime, the asset is expected to be moved within a given set of parametersbut not according to another set of parameters (e.g., the asset can bemoved inside a warehouse with a trolley but not outside in a vehicle).These different types of movements (e.g., inside warehouse vs. beingtransported in a vehicle) can be defined based on different motiondefinition parameters. In particular, the second motion definitionparameter can be used to define a second type of movement of the asset(e.g., the asset is being transported on a vehicle). The tracking device120 is configured to operate in the second mode of operation (i.e., totransmit data according to the second data transmission rate) only whenthe second motion definition parameters are detected (i.e., when thesensor measurements are determined to satisfy the criteria defined inthe second motion definition parameters (e.g., where these parametersdefine that the asset is being transported on a vehicle outside awarehouse)). In this exemplary embodiment, when the asset moves but thetracking device 120 determines that the motion sensor measurements donot satisfy the criteria of the second motion definition parameters(e.g., the motion sensor measurements do not satisfy the criteriadefined in the second motion definition parameters), the tracking device120 continues to operate in the first mode of operation (stationary modeof operation), by transmitting data according to the first datatransmission rate. The tracking device 120 operates in the second modeof operation (motion-based mode of operation), by transmitting data atthe second data transmission rate, only upon determination that thecriteria of the second motion definition parameters are satisfied.

The embodiments discussed above present a mechanism for operation of atracking device that is based on whether or not the asset on which thetracking device is mounted is moving. Further, the mode of operationspresented herein depend on the type of asset and the type of movementthat the asset can have as the determination of whether an asset ismoving is performed based on motion definition parameters that areconfigurable. In the described embodiments, when an asset is determinedto be stationary based on the motion definition parameters, the trackingdevice transmits less frequent data to the management server (forexample, once a day). In contrast, when the asset moves, evenunexpectedly, the tracking device is configured to automatically switchfrom the stationary mode of operation to the mobile mode of operation,such that the data is transmitted more frequently (e.g., every 5minutes). Using this mechanism, the potential recovery time of a stolenasset is enabled in real-time, while still allowing for the life of thebattery of the tracking device to be extended by an efficient use of thetransmission link of the tracking device when the tracking device isstationary.

The embodiments described herein further enable the tracking device tooperate in a stationary mode of operation (by transmitting less frequentdata to the management server) even when the asset is mobile. Theoperation in the stationary mode depends on the motion definitionparameters that allow a user/administrator of the asset on which thetracking device is mounted to define the state of “being in motion”. Forexample, the user may determine that a movement of the asset in a givendirection or at a given speed/acceleration may not need to be consideredas being in motion, while a movement of the asset in another directionor at another speed/acceleration is to be considered as being in motion.In other examples, the asset may not be considered to be in motion if itmoves only in a given orientation (e.g., it is moving horizontally only,or vertically only). In another example, the asset may not be consideredas being in motion if it is determined that it is moving within a givengeofenced area. In other examples, the asset may not be considered to bein motion if it is moving under a predetermined speed threshold, forless than a predetermined time interval, or below a predeterminedminimum distance, etc.). This provides a greater flexibility in the useof the dual mode of operation stationary/mobile mode of operation andfurther allows to extend the battery life of the tracking device.

FIG. 2B illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary operations performed ina tracking device for transmission of data at a second data transmissionrate, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments,transmitting location data based on a second data transmission rate mayinclude operations 218-222. At operation 218, the tracking device 120transmits a first location reading upon automatically detecting, basedon the motion definition parameter, that the tracking device has startedmoving. At operation 220, the tracking device 120 transmits additionallocation data including one or more additional location readings basedon the second data transmission rate while the asset 110 is determinedto be moving. At operation 222, the tracking device 120 transmits, tothe management server, a second location reading upon automaticallydetermining, based on the motion definition parameters, that thetracking device has stopped moving. The first location reading indicatesthe location at which the asset has started moving. The second locationreading indicates the location at which the asset has stopped. The firstand the second location readings are automatically identified by thetracking device 120, based on the first motion definition parameters.

FIG. 2C illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary operations performed ina tracking device for transmission of data based on an active and apassive mode of operation, in accordance with some embodiments. Atoperation 232, the tracking device 120 receives pressure measurementthresholds. In some embodiments, the pressure measurement thresholds canbe included as part of the configuration parameters received by thetracking device 120. In some embodiments, the pressure measurementthresholds can be input by the user 102. In other embodiments, thesensor measurement thresholds can be automatically determined by themanagement server 140. The management server 140 may receive anindication from the user that the tracking device is to be configuredfor operation based on passive/active modes and in response to receivingthis indication, the management server 140 determines a set of one ormore pressure measurement thresholds.

At operation 234, the tracking device 120 automatically monitors thepressure measurements recorded by a pressure sensor to determine thepressure of the asset. For example, a pressure sensor may repeatedlyrecord pressure measurements at a given interval of time (e.g., every nms, n seconds, or n minutes, etc.). In some embodiments, the pressuresensor may be located within the tracking device 120, while in otherembodiments, the pressure sensor may be located outside of the trackingdevice 120 and coupled with the tracking device 120 through ashort-range communication link. The pressure sensor is to recordpressure measurements indicating the pressure to which the asset issubmitted (e.g., air pressure).

At operation 236, the tracking device 120 determines based on pressuremeasurements which of an active or a passive mode the tracking device isto enter. At operation 238, the tracking device 120 automaticallyenters, based on pressure measurements, into an active mode ofoperation. In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 may determine toenter the active mode upon determination that no change in the pressuremeasurements is detected when compared with previously recorded pressuremeasurements.

In some embodiments, when the tracking device 120 is operating in theactive mode, the tracking device 120 can perform the operationsdescribed with reference to FIG. 2A. In other embodiments, whenoperating in the active mode, the tracking device 120 may be operativeto transmit data (including location data) to the management serverbased on a single data transmission rate and configuration parameters.For example, the tracking device can operate based on a smart mode ofoperation in addition to the active mode of operation, such that data istransmitted only when the new data is different from previouslytransmitted data.

In other embodiments, the tracking device 120 may determine to enter, atoperation 240, a passive mode of operation. FIG. 2D illustrates a flowdiagram of exemplary operations performed in a tracking device whenoperating in a passive mode, in accordance with some embodiments.

When operating in a passive mode of operation no data is transmittedfrom or received by the tracking device 120. At operation 242, thetracking device 120 stops transmission of data. For example, thetracking device 120 may disable any interfaces used for communicationwith the management server (e.g., cellular communication interfaces)causing the tracking device to no longer transmit or receive datato/from the management server 140. In some embodiments, the trackingdevice 120 may continue to transmit/receive data through short rangecommunication interfaces (such as Wi-Fi, or Blue Tooth Low Energy(BLE)). In other embodiments, all communication is disabled, and no datais transmitted to/from the tracking device 120. In some embodiments,when operating in the passive mode, the tracking device 120 may continueto monitor, at operation 244, the pressure measurements. The trackingdevice 120 may further record zero or more other sensor measurements(e.g., temperature measurement, etc.). In some embodiments, whenoperating in the passive mode, the tracking device 120 may no longerdetermine the location of the asset. For example, when the location ofthe asset is determined based on a first positioning technology, such asGlobal Positioning Technology (GPS), the tracking device 120 pauses theacquisition of GPS coordinates when it enters the passive mode ofoperation.

The tracking device 120 remains in the passive mode of operation until achange in the pressure measurements occurs. At operation 246, thetracking device 120 determines whether a change in the pressuremeasurements occurs. For example, when the asset 110 is moved from anairplane to a warehouse, the tracking device 120 automaticallydetermines that the pressure measurements have changed when comparedwith previously recorded pressure measurements and automaticallyre-enters the active mode, at operation 248. When operating in theactive mode, transmission of data to/from the tracking device 120 isresumed. In some embodiments, the transmission of data can be performedbased on a first data transmission rate. In other embodiments, whenoperating in the active mode, the transmission of data can be performedbased on a first or a second data transmission rate (i.e., based on afirst or second mode of operation) depending on whether the asset ismobile or not as described with reference to FIG. 2A. In otherembodiments, the transmission of data can be performed based on a smartmode of operation as described with reference to FIG. 2G.

The embodiments described herein allow the tracking device to track thelocation of the asset on which it is mounted based on pressuremeasurements to which the asset is subjected to. These mechanisms allowthe tracking device to comply with rules and regulations that may be setfor transportation of the asset. For example, when the asset istransported on an airplane, the tracking device automatically stopstransmission and receipt of data to comply with aviation and safetyregulations without requiring a manual intervention of a user forshutting down or turning off the tracking device. Further the trackingdevice 120 automatically turns transmission of data back on upondetermination that a change in the pressure measurements has occurredand that the asset is no longer on an airplane. While the embodimentsherein are described with reference to an asset being placed on anairplane, this is intended to be illustrative only to present changesthat may occur in the pressure measurements of an asset. This exampleshould not be regarded as limiting and other examples can becontemplated without departing from the scope of the inventive conceptpresented herein. Other locations and/or environments can cause a changein the pressure measurements and this change automatically causes thetracking device to enter the passive or the active mode of operation. Inaddition, the operation of the tracking device 120 in the passive modefurther allows the tracking device 120 to extend its battery life byensuring that the energy draining operation of data transmission is notperformed when it is not needed.

FIG. 2E illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary operations performed ina tracking device based on multiple positioning technologies, inaccordance with some embodiments. At operation 252, the tracking device120 transmits first location data determined based on a firstpositioning technology. For example, the tracking device 120 may beconfigured at initialization to determine location data based on thefirst positioning technology. In some embodiments, the first positioningtechnology is a local positioning technology, while in otherembodiments, the first positioning technology is a global positioningtechnology.

The local positioning technology may be performed by using one or morelocal access points of a local area network (e.g., LAN 161) anddetermining the location of the asset 110 based on the LAN. In someembodiments, the LAN and the asset can be located indoors when the localpositioning technology is used. In other embodiments, the asset can belocated outdoor and the tracking device 120 may determine to use thelocal positioning technology instead of the global positioningtechnology. The tracking device 120 may use the local positioninglocation to determine different location data of the asset 110 within asame indoor location. In some non-limiting example, the localpositioning technology can be based on Wi-Fi, e.g., using Wi-Fitriangulation techniques. The local positioning technology allows thetracking device 120 to determine different locations of the asset 110within an indoor location with greater precision than with the use of aglobal positioning technology.

In some embodiments, the first positioning technology can be a globalpositioning technology. For example, the tracking device 120 may beconfigured at initialization to determine location data based on aglobal positioning technology. For example, in this first time, theasset 110 is located outdoors and the use of the first positioningtechnology, by the tracking device 120, allows an accurate determinationof the location of the asset 110. The tracking device 120 may include alocation sensor that is operative to implement the global positioningtechnology. For example, the location sensor can be a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) sensor and the location reading includes GPS coordinates.

At operation 254, the tracking device 120 determines whether to use asecond positioning technology that is different from the firstpositioning technology for determining the location data. In someembodiments, determining that the second positioning technology is to beused instead of the first positioning technology can be performed bydetermining, at operation 256, whether the first positioning technologyis available to determine the location data of the asset 110. In theseembodiments, upon determining that the first positioning technology isavailable, the tracking device 120 may continue to use the firstpositioning technology for determination of the location of the asset110. Alternatively, upon determining that the first positioningtechnology is not available (e.g., no signal is received by the trackingdevice 120 based on the first positioning technology for a given periodof time) the tracking device 120 may automatically use a secondpositioning technology for determination of the location of the asset110 (operation 260). The second positioning technology can be a globalpositioning technology that enables determination of the location of theasset 110 or alternatively a local positioning technology. The trackingdevice 120 may use the second positioning location to determine atoperation 260, location data of the asset 110.

In some embodiments, determining that the second positioning technologyis to be used instead of the first positioning technology can beperformed by determining, at operation 258, whether the asset has movedfrom an indoor location to an outdoor location or alternatively, whetherit has moved from an outdoor location to an indoor location. In oneembodiment, upon determining that the asset is no longer in an indoorlocation, the flow of operations moves to operation 260, at which thetracking device 120 starts using the second positioning technology todetermine the location of the asset 110 instead of the first positioningtechnology. In this embodiment, the second positioning technology is aglobal positioning technology such as GPS. In another embodiment, upondetermining that the asset is no longer in an outdoor location butinstead has moved to an indoor location, the flow of operations moves tooperation 260, at which the tracking device 120 starts using the secondpositioning technology to determine the location of the asset. In thisembodiment, the second positioning technology is a local positioningtechnology (e.g., Wi-Fi triangulation).

In some embodiments, determining that the second positioning technologyis to be used instead of the first positioning technology can beperformed by determining that the first positioning technology is notavailable, and that the asset has moved to a different location (e.g.,to an indoor location). Alternatively, determining that the secondpositioning technology is to be used can be performed by determiningthat the first positioning technology is available and determining thatthe asset has moved to another location (e.g., an indoor location).

Upon determining that the second positioning technology is to be usedinstead of the first positioning technology, the tracking device 120transmits, at a second time that is later than the first time atoperation 260, second location data determined based on the secondpositioning technology.

In some embodiments, the determination of the location of the asset canbe performed based on a first positioning technology and based on asecond positioning technology at different moments, while operatingaccording to an active mode of operation as described with reference toFIG. 1B. Alternatively or additionally, the determination of the asset'slocation can be performed based on the first and/or second positioningtechnology while the asset operates in a first or second mode ofoperation depending on whether or not the asset 110 is in motion.

FIG. 2F illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary operations performed bya tracking device that is operative to use multiple cellularcommunication networks, in accordance with some embodiments. To increasereliability of the data collected from the tracking device 120, thetracking device 120 is operative to transmit the data through a firstcommunication network and a second communication network depending onavailability of the networks.

At operation 262, the tracking device 120 transmits the data (includingthe location data) through a first cellular communication network, e.g.,first cellular network 162. At a second time, the tracking device 120automatically determines, at operation 264, whether the first cellularnetwork is available. Responsive to determining that the first cellularnetwork 162 is no longer available, the tracking device 120 transmits atoperation 266, the data (e.g., location data and/or additional sensormeasurements) through the second cellular network 163. The trackingdevice may include at least two subscriber identifiers (e.g., SubscriberIdentification Modules (SIMs)) that allow the tracking device tocommunicate via a first cellular network 162 and a second cellularnetwork 163. In some embodiments, the tracking device 120 is configured(e.g., through the receipt of the configuration parameters) to use thefirst cellular network associated with a first subscriber identifier asa default cellular network for transmission of data to/from themanagement server 140. The tracking device 120 may further be configuredto use the second cellular network associated with the second subscriberidentifier as a secondary cellular network. In some embodiments,determining whether the first cellular network is available includes thetracking device 120 attempting to transmit data through the firstcellular network and upon determining that the transmission of the datafails, automatically attempting to transmit the data through the secondcellular network 163. In some embodiments, the failure of the datatransmission through the first cellular network can be caused by theasset 110 moving from a first location, at which the first cellularnetwork was available, to a second location, at which the secondcellular network is available, and the first cellular network is nolonger available. In other embodiments, the failure of the datatransmission can be due to a temporary service interruption of the firstcellular network causing the first cellular network to not be available.

While the embodiments described above show a first and a second cellularnetwork that can be used for transmission of data to/from the trackingdevice 120, in other embodiments, the tracking device 120 can beoperative to transmit the data through three or more cellular networkswithout departing from the scope of the inventive concept presentedherein. The use of multiple cellular networks enables the trackingdevice 120 to continuously and reliably transmit data related to thestate of the asset 110 to the management server 140.

FIG. 2G illustrates a flow diagram of exemplary operations performed ina tracking device, in accordance with some embodiments. In someembodiments, the tracking device 120 may further operate based on asmart mode of operation. In some embodiments, the smart mode ofoperation may override all other modes of operation of the trackingdevice. In other embodiments, the smart mode of operation may be used incombination with other modes of operation described herein. The smartmode of operation enables the tracking device 120 to efficient use ofthe battery resource by allowing transmission of data only when the datais different from previously transmitted data. The tracking device 120may receive, at operation 272, updated configuration parameters, wherethe updated configuration parameters include an indication identifying asmart mode of operation that is to be used by the tracking device 120.

When operating in the smart mode of operation, the tracking devicetransmits new data (e.g., new location data and/or new sensormeasurements) of the asset when the new data is different from apreviously transmitted data. At operation 274, the tracking devicedetermines whether new data that is to be transmitted is different frompreviously transmitted data. Prior to transmitting the data, the data iscompared with previously transmitted data and upon determining that thenew data is substantially identical to the latest data sent, thetracking device 120 does not transmit, at operation 276, the new data.Alternatively, upon determining that the new data is different from thepreviously or latest data transmitted, the tracking device 120transmits, at operation 278, the new data. The tracking device 120further stores, at operation 280, the new data (e.g., the new locationdata) as the latest location data transmitted to the management server140. This newly stored location data is used by the tracking device upondetermination of whether future location data is to be transmitted ornot.

The embodiments described herein present a tracking device that can beused for reliably and efficiently tracking the location of an asset. Theasset is expected to travel (move on its own or be moved) throughmultiple locations. The tracking device is operative to: 1) be mountedon the asset; 2) operate even if its connection with a management serveris unreliable; 3) efficiently operate off its battery, without anexternal power source and to operate based on one or several modes ofoperations that extend the battery life of the tracking device causingthe tracking device to be available for an extended period of time; 4)track the locations of the asset tracking device (and thus the asset towhich the asset tracking device is attached) when the asset is movedindoors and/or outdoors; and 5) communicate with the management servervia multiple networks when outdoors. Several mechanisms presented hereinenable the tracking device to extend its battery life while ensuringreliable transmission and reporting of data to a management server.

While the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1A-2G illustratea management server 140 that communicates with a single tracking device120, in some embodiments, the management server 140 may communicate withmultiple tracking devices that are used for tracking multiple assets. Insome embodiments, the assets may belong to a same organization (atenant/customer of the tracking service offered through the managementserver) or to multiple organizations (multiple tenants/customers of thetracking service).

Architecture

The tracking device and the management server described with referenceto FIGS. 1A-2G are electronic devices. An electronic device stores andtransmits (internally and/or with other electronic devices over anetwork) code (which is composed of software instructions and which issometimes referred to as computer program code or a computer program)and/or data using machine-readable media (also called computer-readablemedia), such as machine-readable storage media (e.g., magnetic disks,optical disks, read only memory (ROM), flash memory devices, phasechange memory) and machine-readable transmission media (also called acarrier) (e.g., electrical, optical, radio, acoustical or other form ofpropagated signals—such as carrier waves, infrared signals). Thus, anelectronic device (e.g., a computer) includes hardware and software,such as a set of one or more processors coupled to one or moremachine-readable storage media to store code for execution on the set ofprocessors and/or to store data. For instance, an electronic device mayinclude non-volatile memory containing the code since the non-volatilememory can persist the code even when the electronic device is turnedoff, and while the electronic device is turned on that part of the codethat is to be executed by the processor(s) of that electronic device iscopied from the slower non-volatile memory into volatile memory (e.g.,dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM))of that electronic device. Typical electronic devices also include a setof one or more physical network interface(s) to establish networkconnections (to transmit and/or receive code and/or data usingpropagating signals) with other electronic devices. One or more parts ofan embodiment of the invention may be implemented using differentcombinations of software, firmware, and/or hardware.

FIG. 3A illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary tracking device thatcan be used in some embodiments. Tracking device 300 includes one ormore processors 305. The tracking device 300 includes computer readablestorage medium 310, which is coupled to the processor(s) 305. Thecomputer readable storage medium 310 may be used for storing data,metadata, and programs for execution by the processor(s) 305. Forexample, the depicted computer readable storage medium 310 may store amanagement module that, when executed by the processor(s) 305, causesthe tracking device 300 (e.g., tracking device 120) to reliably andsecurely offload data from a WSD and to transmit the data to themanagement server regardless of whether the connectivity of the trackingdevice is intermittent. The data management module may include codewhich when executed on the processor(s) 305 cause the tracking device tostore data indicative of sensor measurements received from a WSD, andtransmit the data to a management server based on one or more modes ofoperation as described with reference to FIGS. 1A-2G.

The tracking device 300 also includes one or more communicationinterfaces 306, which are provided to allow a user to provide input to,receive output from, and otherwise transfer data to and from the system.Exemplary Input/Output devices and interfaces 206 include wired andwireless transceivers, such as Joint Test Action Group (JTAG)transceiver, a Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) transceiver 329, an IEEE 802.11transceiver 327, an infrared transceiver, a multi-cellular telephonytransceiver (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G) 328, or another wireless protocol toconnect the tracking device 300 with another device, external component,or a network and receive stored instructions, data, tokens, etc. It willbe appreciated that one or more buses may be used to interconnect thevarious components shown in FIG. 3A.

The tracking device 300 may also include one or more sensor(s) to detectphysical events and store sensor measurements in the computer readablestorage medium 310 in response to the detection of the physical events.In some exemplary embodiments, the one or more sensor(s) include atleast one of a motion sensor 323 (e.g., accelerometer), a pressuresensor 324. The tracking device 300 may further include one or moreadditional sensors, such as the temperature sensor 325, an ambient lightsensor, and a gyroscope, etc. The tracking device includes a firstpositioning system 326. The positioning system can be a GPS sensor andmay be part of the sensors 322. The tracking device also includes asecond positioning system 332.

The tracking device 300 includes a battery 321. The battery 321 is usedto power the tracking device 300. The battery 321 can be replaceable.Each of the elements of the tracking device 300 (except the battery 321)are power consuming components that operate with power received from thebattery 321. In some embodiments, the tracking device 300 may includeadditional power consuming elements 330.

In some embodiments, the tracking device 300 may include a multi-usebutton that enables actuation of several operations to be performed bythe tracking device 300. For example, the multi-use button can be usedto trigger data transmission on demand. When pressed by a user, thebutton causes the tracking device to transmit current sensor measurementdata (e.g., location data and/or other sensor measurements) to themanagement server. The multi-use button may also be used to activate atracking device that is in a passive mode of operation. In someembodiments, the multi-use button can be used to reboot the assettracking device. The multi-use button can be used to trigger diagnosticsoperations of the tracking device 300. The diagnostics performed by theasset tracking device causes a light-emitting diode (LED) to blinkaccording to different patterns to indicate the type of problems in thedevice. Each blinking pattern of the LED can be associated with adifferent cause of malfunction of the tracking device and allows a userto immediately identify the malfunction without requiring lengthy andin-depth diagnostics of the tracking device by the user.

The tracking device 300 includes a BLE transceiver 329. The BLEtransceiver 329 can be used to enable the tracking device 300 to connectwith one or more external WSDs. In some embodiments, the tracking device300 may establish communication channels with one or more WSDs. In someembodiments, the communication channels are secure such that onlyauthorized and authenticated WSDs can connect with the tracking device300. In an exemplary embodiment, the devices may negotiate theestablishment of the secure communication channel using a shared secretand an encryption protocol (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) SecureConnections pairing model). In an embodiment, the secret is burnt in theWSD 115 at the time of manufacture. In some embodiments, the connectionis performed according to a BLE pairing mechanism, where the trackingdevice scans for nearby WSDs which are not yet paired to another gatewaydevice or another tracking device and detects the advertisement(s)transmitted by the WSDs. When the secure communication is established,the WSDs may transmit any recorded sensor measurements to the trackingdevice that are received via the BLE transceiver 329. The pairing withthe WSDs enables the detection and understanding of the presence ofother assets (e.g., WSDs) that are located in the vicinity of thetracking device. In some embodiments, the BLE transceiver 329 mayadditionally or alternatively enable the tracking device to perform realtime event detection and to trigger an action on and/or control on onemore actuators.

It will be appreciated that additional components, not shown, may alsobe part of the tracking device 300, and, in certain embodiments, fewercomponents than that shown in FIG. 3 may also be used in a trackingdevice 300.

FIG. 3B illustrates a block diagram for an exemplary management serverthat can be used in some embodiments. Management server 140 may be a Webor cloud server, or a cluster of servers, running on server hardware. Inone embodiment, the management server 140 works for both single andmulti-tenant installations, meaning that multiple organizations withdifferent administrators may have wireless sensing devices and/ortracking devices managed by the same management server.

According to one embodiment, management server 140 is implemented on aserver device 380 which includes server hardware 355. Server hardware355 includes network communication interfaces 360 coupled with one ormore processor(s) 365, and a computer readable storage medium 362. Thecomputer readable storage medium 362 includes a sensor network manager363 used to configure and manage the WSDs and tracking devices for eachorganization. For example, the sensor network manager 363 may include aregistration module which receives and manages information related tothe WSDs and tracking devices that is assigned to the devices at thetime of manufacture. The sensor network manager 363 may also include aclaiming module which is used when devices are claimed by organizations(e.g., the claiming may be performed at least in part by populating thetracking devices database 364, the wireless sensing device database 366,and the organization database 370 with appropriate information when theWSDs and tracking devices are associated to an organization).

In an embodiment, the sensor network manager 363 provides a userinterface module 372 used to create a Web interface to allowadministrators to create and log into an account associated with anorganization to which a set of tracking devices belong (e.g., trackingdevice 120). A set of WSDs can also belong to the organization and thesensor network manager 363 may provide the user interface module 372 formanaging and configuring the asset tracking devices and the WSDs. Thecomputer readable storage medium 362 further includes the location datadatabase 374 (including location data received from the trackingdevice(s)), an optional sensor measurements database 368 (including dataindicative of sensor measurements received from the WSDs or the trackingdevices), tracking devices database 364 (including information regardingthe tracking devices), a wireless sensing device database 366 (includinginformation regarding the WSDs), and an organizations database 370(including information regarding the organizations to which the WSDsand/or tracking devices belong).

While one embodiment does not implement virtualization, alternativeembodiments may use different forms of virtualization—represented by avirtualization layer 375. In these embodiments, the management server140 and the hardware that executes it form a virtual management serverwhich is a software instance of the modules stored on the computerreadable storage medium 362. The server device 380 can be used toperform the operations of a management server as described withreference to FIGS. 1A-2G.

While some components of the tracking device or the management serverare illustrated as code stored on the computer readable storage medium,in other embodiments the modules may be implemented in hardware or in acombination of hardware and software. While the flow diagrams in thefigures show a particular order of operations performed by certainembodiments of the invention, it should be understood that such order isexemplary (e.g., alternative embodiments may perform the operations in adifferent order, combine certain operations, overlap certain operations,etc.).

Additionally, while the invention has been described in terms of severalembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventionis not limited to the embodiments described, can be practiced withmodification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative insteadof limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method in a tracking device mounted on anasset, the method comprising: receiving, from a management server,configuration parameters including first configuration parameters thatinclude a first data transmission rate, second configuration parametersthat include a second data transmission rate, and a first plurality ofmotion definition parameters that define a first type of movement forthe asset to be considered as being mobile or stationary; automaticallyentering into an active mode of the tracking device during a firstinterval of time, wherein the active mode includes: responsive todetermining, based on first motion sensor measurements and the firstplurality of motion definition parameters, that the asset is stationary,transmitting, at the first data transmission rate, first location dataof the asset to the management server, and responsive to determining,based on second motion sensor measurements and the first plurality ofmotion definition parameters, that the asset is mobile, transmitting, atthe second data transmission rate, second location data of the asset tothe management server; and receiving, from the management server, asecond plurality of motion definition parameters that define a secondtype of movement for the asset to be considered as being mobile orstationary, wherein the second type of movement is different from thefirst type of movement; and when operating in the active mode of thetracking device during a second interval of time that is different fromthe first interval of time, performing the following responsive todetermining, based on the second plurality of motion definitionparameters, that the asset is stationary, transmitting, at the firstdata transmission rate, third location data of the asset to themanagement server, and responsive to determining, based on the secondplurality of motion definition parameters, that the asset is mobile,transmitting, at the second data transmission rate, fourth location dataof the asset to the management server.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first configuration parameters include the first data transmissionrate, a first start time at which the tracking device is to starttransmission of location according to the first data transmission rate,whereby the first configuration parameters cause the battery life of thetracking device to be extended.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thetransmitting, at the second data transmission rate, second location dataof the asset to the management server includes: transmitting, to themanagement server, a first location reading upon automaticallydetecting, based on the first plurality of motion definition parameters,that the tracking device has started moving; transmitting, to themanagement server, one or more additional location readings based on thesecond data transmission rate while the tracking device is determined tobe moving; and transmitting, to the management server, a second locationreading upon automatically determining, based on the first plurality ofmotion definition parameters, that the tracking device has stoppedmoving.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second data transmissionrate is greater than the first data transmission rate causing themanagement server to obtain more frequent location data when the assetis mobile than when the asset is stationary.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the automatically entering, into the active mode of the trackingdevice is performed based on first pressure measurements; and the methodfurther comprises: automatically entering, based on second pressuremeasurements, into a passive mode of the tracking device in which nodata is transmitted.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving theconfiguration parameters includes receiving, through a connectionlesscommunication protocol, one or more messages of serialized structureddata including the configuration parameters.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the transmitting, based on the second configuration parameters,location data of the asset to the management server at the second datatransmission rate, includes: transmitting, to the management server at afirst time, third location data determined based on a first positioningtechnology; and transmitting, to the management server at a second timethat is later than the first time, fourth location data determined basedon a second positioning technology.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinthe transmitting, at the second data transmission rate, second locationdata of the asset to the management server, includes: transmitting, tothe management server at a third time and via a first cellular networkfrom a plurality of cellular networks, fifth location data of the asset,wherein the first cellular network is available at the third time; andtransmitting, to the management server at a fourth time that is laterthan the third time and via a second cellular network from the pluralityof cellular networks, sixth location data of the asset.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: receiving updated configuration parameters,wherein the updated configuration parameters includes a smart mode ofoperation; and transmitting, based on the smart mode of operation, newdata location of the asset when the new data location is different froma previously transmitted data location.
 10. A tracking device to bemounted on an asset, the tracking device comprising: a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium to store instructions; and a processorcoupled with the non-transitory computer readable storage medium toprocess the stored instructions to: receive, from a management server,configuration parameters including first configuration parameters thatinclude a first data transmission rate, second configuration parametersthat include a second data transmission rate, and a first plurality ofmotion definition parameters that define a first type of movement forthe asset to be considered as being mobile or stationary, automaticallyenter into an active mode of the tracking device during a first intervalof time, wherein the active mode includes: responsive to determining,based on first motion sensor measurements and the first plurality ofmotion definition parameters, that the asset is stationary, transmit, atthe first data transmission rate, first location data of the asset tothe management server, and responsive to determining, based on secondmotion sensor measurements and the first plurality of motion definitionparameters, that the asset is mobile, transmit, at the second datatransmission rate, second location data of the asset to the managementserver; and receive, from the management server, a second plurality ofmotion definition parameters that define a second type of movement forthe asset to be considered as being mobile or stationary, wherein thesecond type of movement is different from the first type of movement;and when operating in the active mode of the tracking device during asecond interval of time that is different from the first interval oftime, perform the following responsive to determining, based on thesecond plurality of motion definition parameters, that the asset isstationary, transmit, at the first data transmission rate, thirdlocation data of the asset to the management server, and responsive todetermining, based on the second plurality of motion definitionparameters, that the asset is mobile, transmit, at the second datatransmission rate, fourth location data of the asset to the managementserver.
 11. The tracking device of claim 10, wherein the firstconfiguration parameters include the first data transmission rate, afirst start time at which the tracking device is to start transmissionof location according to the first data transmission rate, whereby thefirst configuration parameters cause the battery life of the trackingdevice to be extended.
 12. The tracking device of claim 10, wherein totransmit, at the second data transmission rate, second location data ofthe asset to the management server, includes to: transmit, to themanagement server, a first location reading upon automaticallydetecting, based on the first plurality of motion definition parameters,that the tracking device has started moving; transmit, to the managementserver, one or more additional location readings based on the seconddata transmission rate while the tracking device is determined to bemoving; and transmit, to the management server, a second locationreading upon automatically determining, based on the first plurality ofmotion definition parameters, that the tracking device has stoppedmoving.
 13. The tracking device of claim 10, wherein the second datatransmission rate is greater than the first data transmission ratecausing the management server to obtain more frequent location data whenthe asset is mobile than when the asset is stationary.
 14. The trackingdevice of claim 10, wherein to automatically enter, into the active modeof the tracking device is performed based on first pressuremeasurements; and the processor is further to: automatically enter,based on second pressure measurements, into a passive mode of thetracking device in which no data is transmitted.
 15. The tracking deviceof claim 10, wherein to receive the configuration parameters includes toreceive, through a connectionless communication protocol, one or moremessages of serialized structured data including the configurationparameters.
 16. The tracking device of claim 10, wherein to transmit,based on the second configuration parameters, location data of the assetto the management server at the second data transmission rate, includesto: transmit, to the management server at a first time, third locationdata determined based on a first positioning technology; and transmit,to the management server at a second time that is later than the firsttime, fourth location data determined based on a second positioningtechnology.
 17. The tracking device of claim 10, wherein to transmit, atthe second data transmission rate, second location data of the asset tothe management server, includes to: transmit, to the management serverat a third time and via a first cellular network from a plurality ofcellular networks, fifth location data of the asset, wherein the firstcellular network is available at the third time; and transmit, to themanagement server at a fourth time that is later than the third time andvia a second cellular network from the plurality of cellular networks,sixth location data of the asset.
 18. The tracking device of claim 10,wherein the processor is further to: receive updated configurationparameters, wherein the updated configuration parameters includes asmart mode of operation; and transmit, based on the smart mode ofoperation, new data location of the asset when the new data location isdifferent from a previously transmitted data location.
 19. Anon-transitory computer readable storage medium that provideinstructions, which when executed by a processor of a tracking device tobe mounted on an asset, cause said processor to perform operationscomprising: receiving, from a management server, configurationparameters including first configuration parameters that include a firstdata transmission rate, second configuration parameters that include asecond data transmission rate, and a first plurality of motiondefinition parameters that define a first type of movement for the assetto be considered as being mobile or stationary; automatically enteringinto an active mode of the tracking device during a first interval oftime, wherein the active mode includes: responsive to determining, basedon first motion sensor measurements and the first plurality of motiondefinition parameters, that the asset is stationary, transmitting, atthe first data transmission rate, first location data of the asset tothe management server, and responsive to determining, based on secondmotion sensor measurements and the first plurality of motion definitionparameters, that the asset is mobile, transmitting, at the second datatransmission rate, second location data of the asset to the managementserver; and receiving, from the management server, a second plurality ofmotion definition parameters that define a second type of movement forthe asset to be considered as being mobile or stationary, wherein thesecond type of movement is different from the first type of movement;and when operating in the active mode of the tracking device during asecond interval of time that is different from the first interval oftime, performing the following responsive to determining, based on thesecond plurality of motion definition parameters, that the asset isstationary, transmitting, at the first data transmission rate, thirdlocation data of the asset to the management server, and responsive todetermining, based on the second plurality of motion definitionparameters, that the asset is mobile, transmitting, at the second datatransmission rate, fourth location data of the asset to the managementserver.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim19, wherein the first configuration parameters include the first datatransmission rate, a first start time at which the tracking device is tostart transmission of location according to the first data transmissionrate, whereby the first configuration parameters cause the battery lifeof the tracking device to be extended.
 21. The non-transitory computerreadable storage medium of claim 19, wherein the transmitting, at thesecond data transmission rate, second location data of the asset to themanagement server, includes: transmitting, to the management server, afirst location reading upon automatically detecting, based on the firstplurality of motion definition parameters, that the tracking device hasstarted moving; transmitting, to the management server, one or moreadditional location readings based on the second data transmission ratewhile the tracking device is determined to be moving; and transmitting,to the management server, a second location reading upon automaticallydetermining, based on the first plurality of motion definitionparameters, that the tracking device has stopped moving.
 22. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein thesecond data transmission rate is higher than the first data transmissionrate causing the management server to obtain more frequent location datawhen the asset is mobile than when the asset is stationary.
 23. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein theautomatically entering, into the active mode of the tracking device isperformed based on first pressure measurements; and the operationsfurther comprise: automatically entering, based on second pressuremeasurements, into a passive mode of the tracking device in which nodata is transmitted.
 24. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium of claim 19, wherein the receiving the configuration parametersincludes receiving, through a connectionless communication protocol, oneor more messages of serialized structured data including theconfiguration parameters.
 25. The non-transitory computer readablestorage medium of claim 19, wherein the transmitting, based on thesecond configuration parameters, location data of the asset to themanagement server at the second data transmission rate, includes:transmitting, to the management server at a first time, third locationdata determined based on a first positioning technology; andtransmitting, to the management server at a second time that is laterthan the first time, fourth location data determined based on a secondpositioning technology.
 26. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium of claim 19, wherein the transmitting, at the second datatransmission rate, second location data of the asset to the managementserver, includes: transmitting, to the management server at a third timeand via a first cellular network from a plurality of cellular networks,fifth location data of the asset, wherein the first cellular network isavailable at the third time; and transmitting, to the management serverat a fourth time that is later than the third time and via a secondcellular network from the plurality of cellular networks, sixth locationdata of the asset.
 27. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium of claim 19, wherein the operations further comprise: receivingupdated configuration parameters, wherein the updated configurationparameters includes a smart mode of operation; and transmitting, basedon the smart mode of operation, new data location of the asset when thenew data location is different from a previously transmitted datalocation.
 28. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstplurality of motion definition parameters includes a minimum amount oftime during which the tracking device is to move for the asset to bedetermined as being in motion, a minimum distance that needs to betraveled by the tracking device for the asset to be determined as beingin motion, or a motion pattern that includes motion in a first directionfor an interval of time and motion in a second direction for anotherinterval of time.
 29. The tracking device of claim 10, wherein at leastone of the first plurality of motion definition parameters includes aminimum amount of time during which the tracking device is to move forthe asset to be determined as being in motion, a minimum distance thatneeds to be traveled by the tracking device for the asset to bedetermined as being in motion, or a motion pattern that includes motionin a first direction for an interval of time and motion in a seconddirection for another interval of time.
 30. The non-transitory computerreadable storage medium of claim 19, wherein at least one of the firstplurality of motion definition parameters includes a minimum amount oftime during which the tracking device is to move for the asset to bedetermined as being in motion, a minimum distance that needs to betraveled by the tracking device for the asset to be determined as beingin motion, or a motion pattern that includes motion in a first directionfor an interval of time and motion in a second direction for anotherinterval of time.